11/20/11

Christmas Is CoOOooM-ING!!

Thanksgiving last year was the first real holiday Adam and I celebrated together.

It was seriously amazing

Take for example going on the family tree cutting expedition together.

Now you should know that the tree hunting is a massive family event for the Chmelars.
Us seven kids take it so incredibly SERIOUS.
It has to be the perfect huge tree to fill out living room's 10' ceilings.
Full in girth.
Green in the perfect tint.

All mom ever wants is a blue spruce tree.
She says they have soft needles that don't poke.
But do you know how small and spiney they look?!

It's a serious fight every.single.year.
{poor mom and dad}
Also poor Adam who had to get a crash course last year in the PROPER tree choosing/cutting procedures. Serious stuffs, folks.

But as I went into the mall a couple weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with the utter materialistic spirit we have as Americans.

All the crap in the stores we think we have to buy.

All the stuff I think I neeeeed.

All the stress over shopping and buying and overspending.

Now don't get me wrong. I love shopping. I love buying gifts. I love making lists of all the lovelies I would someday like to own. But God was reminding me to keep my heart in the right place. The remember the most important things.

People.

Relationships.

Serving.

Love.

Peace.

Family.

Sacrifice.

Self control.

My goals as this amazing holiday season kicks off this week reflect this attitude.

I live abroad so won't be with my family this Christmas. I find this means spending a lot more money on them and worrying a lot more about the gifts I buy. When in reality, if I didn't buy as much I would have more money to put into savings and be able to afford a flight back next christmas a lot easier.

I couldnt agree more about American being a little insane about material things. But, I love your tradition about getting a tree! How fun! I love Christmas time, this weekend were getting a flocked tree, I cant wait!

ps- I mentioned your on my blog as one of my favorite blogs to read!Thanks for being such a great writter and having so many great things to say!

Okay, I have ultimate strong feelings about Christmas trees (from growing up in the northwest?). I'm so glad to hear you've also taken up the quest to bring good, real, full Christmas trees to America, one household at a time.

Sigh. I was totally deprived as a child - we have always had a fake tree because my mother is literally allergic to everything on the planet. Don't ask me how it's possible to be allergic to a Christmas tree - I don't know! But the husband introduced me to the wonderful world of chopping down your own tree, and I don't think I could ever go back to having a fake one!

Thanks for the comment on my blog! And my exhaustion level is pretty high but you gotta work through it hahaha That's way cool that you guys cut your own tree! I'm a lazy bum and have a fake tree that's pre-lit hahahahaha but Christmas is my fave time of year too! I've already watched the Grinch about a billion times ;)

Thanks for the comment on my blog! :) having your sleep schedule out of whack is the worst! But it looks like you are doing just fine now :) We always have multiple trees at my parents' house. The kids get one to decorate with all those popsicle stick ornaments and my mom gets one to decorate her way. :)

yes, yes, Christmas traditions!!! your family tradition sounds like so much fun! And I agree about all this materialistic stuff... that's why homemade pajamas, family, food, and a little boy with a new tonka truck r gonna make our Holiday!

Your blog is so cute, it's addicting. I came back after the babe was put to bed tonight to surf the internet. I went back to the wedding (sooo much fun!!!) and read your "normal" post. I just want to tell you that I believe families can be together forever. You two and your babies will see and hug and laugh with each other after this life. I truly believe that.